SARASOTA, Fla. (BRAIN) — Art Wester, former president of Mavic USA and who sometimes referred to his career choices as the three B's — Books, Boats, and Bikes — died at his home here from mesothelioma on Thursday. He was 82.
Wester was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and parents Henry and Martha Wester fostered a love of the outdoors — including cycling, hiking, and camping in the Adirondacks — and at age 16, he became an Eagle Scout.
He graduated from Springfield College in 1965 and later earned a master's from Columbia University. He worked first for Californina's Prentice Hall educational publishing company in sales and spent time in the Sierra mountains during his free time.
Wester's publishing career arc took him back to the East Coast when he accepted a job with Little, Brown & Company in Marblehead, Massachusetts. That's also when the Boat phase began with sailing off the coast. Along with a partner, he acquired the Arundel Shipyard in Kennebunkport, Maine, during that time.
The Bike career began after relocating from the boatyard to New Jersey and starting as the manager of Ridgewood (N.J.) Cycle Shop. That led to becoming business manager of Winning and Triathlete Magazine. His role at Mavic followed, where he created opportunities to impact the lives of young cyclists. He created sponsorships and provided technical support at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Frequent trips to France led to acquiring bilingual skills and a passion for wine and cooking.
Retirement came in 2002, and he and wife Susan Smitten joined the Peace Corps. They accepted an assignment in Suriname, where they helped develop indigenous women's small businesses. The experience led Wester to teach junior high school math for a year in an American school in Pachuca, Mexico.
After moving to Sarasota, Wester added kayaking to his list of outdoor activities and became a ham radio operator.
In addition to Susan Smitten, Wester is survived by a son, Brian Wester (Lea); a daughter, Christina Wester (Steven); five grandchildren: Brian, Madison, Alex, Rebecca and Kasey; and a brother, Brian (Sylvia).
The family suggests any donations in Arthur Wester's name be made to Doctors Without Borders.
